In recent years, Hollywood has seen a sudden surge of live-action remakes of classic films. From the live-action The Lion King, released in 2019, to the live-action Aladdin, also released in 2019, the remakes tend to spark considerable debate. Are they necessary, or are they just a cash grab? To find out, we asked students at the School what they think.
Among the 90 students polled, a select few argue that live-action remakes bring classic stories that we all know and love to a new generation. With real-life characters and fresh CGI (something along these lines, explaining what makes them more visually realistic), movies like The Lion King can give younger viewers a chance to experience beloved and classic characters in a more realistic and visually impressive way. Others think remakes allow filmmakers to update stories for modern audiences, adding new scenes or diverse characters to make the films feel relevant today.
However, most students do not share this enthusiasm. According to the poll, 87% of the school’s students prefer the original animated versions over live-action remakes. Many students feel that animated films already tell the story the best that it can, and that remakes tend to fail to capture the same type of emotion and charm. Films like Dumbo or The Little Mermaid in live-action form are sometimes criticized for lacking the creative emotion of their animated versions. Animation allows for exaggerated expressions and imaginary worlds that can feel unnatural in live action form.
Sophomore Daniella Greeneberg explained that the problem is not remakes themselves, but how they are made. “I don’t think remakes of animated movies are really needed if they just copy the story and characters and don’t add anything else. But if they take the original characters or plot and change the movie into something unique, they can be more fun to watch.” Her opinions reflect a common sentiment among students who feel disappointed when remakes feel the same as the original movies.
Whether students love them or hate them, live-action remakes continue to spark debate, and sometimes controversy. Maybe the real question isn’t if we need them, but if Hollywood can make them bold and unique enough to be more than just an old story in a new costume.